Glossary
Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)
Short-term skilled care after a qualifying inpatient hospital stay — up to 100 days per benefit period under Medicare Part A.
Also known as: SNF, skilled nursing care
Quick answer
Medicare Part A covers SNF care when you've had a qualifying 3-day inpatient hospital stay and need daily skilled care (PT, IV therapy, wound care) for the same condition. Coverage is up to 100 days per benefit period.
Why it matters
SNF is often confused with long-term custodial nursing-home care. Medicare does not pay for long-term custodial care — only short-term rehabilitation.
Why this matters at age 65
TFL pays SNF cost-sharing as secondary, so most TFL beneficiaries owe nothing for covered SNF days.
When you'll encounter it
Discharge from a hospital with a continuing need for skilled rehabilitation.
Impact on Medicare
Days 1-20 fully covered; days 21-100 have a daily coinsurance.
Impact on TRICARE For Life
TFL pays the days 21-100 coinsurance for covered SNF stays.
Impact on Medicare Advantage
MA plans may waive the 3-day stay rule but have their own copays and prior-authorization rules.
Common misconceptions
- "Medicare pays for long-term nursing-home care." — It does not — only short-term skilled rehabilitation.
- "Observation hospital stays count toward the 3-day requirement." — They do not — only inpatient days count.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming SNF coverage without confirming the inpatient (not observation) status of the hospital stay.
What should I do?
- 1Confirm your hospital stay is classified as inpatient before discharge.
- 2Choose a Medicare-certified SNF.
- 3Track day count — coverage ends at day 100 per benefit period.
Continue learning
— suggested by the knowledge graph- Frequently asked questions about Medicare and TRICARE For LifeA quick-reference summary of the questions retired service members and spouses ask most often — with citations to the official source.
- Common mistakes retired military make at 65 — and how to avoid themThe most expensive errors retired service members and spouses make during the Medicare and TFL transition, and the simple fixes for each.
- What is Medicare? A complete overview for retired militaryA plain-English, handbook-grounded overview of the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, written specifically for retired service members and their families.
- Understanding Original Medicare (Parts A & B) for veteransExactly what Part A and Part B cover, what they cost in 2026, and why both are required to keep TRICARE For Life.
- Durable Medical Equipment (DME)Medically necessary, reusable equipment for home use — covered by Part B at 80% after the deductible.
- End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)A condition (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant) that grants Medicare eligibility at any age.
- Home Health CarePart-time skilled nursing or therapy delivered at home for homebound beneficiaries — covered by Medicare with no cost-sharing.
- Hospice CareEnd-of-life comfort care covered 100% by Medicare Part A when a doctor certifies a terminal prognosis of 6 months or less.
- Appointment of RepresentativeA signed form (CMS-1696) that authorizes another person — family member, attorney, or advocate — to file or pursue a Medicare appeal on your behalf.
- COBRA After 65COBRA is not creditable coverage for Part B — using it past 65 instead of enrolling in Medicare causes lifetime late penalties.
- Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP)A 18- to 36-month temporary TRICARE-like coverage option for those who lose TRICARE eligibility — functionally the military version of COBRA.
- Does TRICARE For Life work overseas?Yes. Overseas, TFL acts as your primary payer because Medicare generally doesn't pay outside the U.S. You'll usually pay the provider up front and file a paper claim with TFL overseas.
- What are the biggest mistakes retired military make at 65?Declining Part B, missing the IEP, ignoring DEERS, enrolling in Part D unnecessarily, and assuming MTF access continues. Each can cost thousands or end TFL.
- I'm turning 65. What should I do first?About 3 months before your 65th birthday, sign up for Medicare Parts A and B at SSA.gov. TRICARE For Life activates automatically once both are effective and DEERS is current.
- Do I need Medicare Part A if I have TRICARE?Yes. TFL requires Part A and Part B. Part A is typically premium-free if you or your spouse worked 40+ quarters paying Medicare taxes.
- I live overseas full-time. How does Medicare + TFL work?Keep paying Part B to keep TFL. Use TFL as your primary payer overseas (Medicare doesn't pay abroad). File paper claims with International SOS.
Related glossary terms
Related Official Resources
Continue learning straight from the source. Every link below goes to an official government or DoD resource.
Last reviewed January 2026 against the 2026 Medicare & You and TRICARE For Life handbooks.